“Food unites people” That’s the philosophy behind Haley Carriage House. Founded in 1966, Haley Carriage House began with a simple act. Kathe and John McKenna opened their home to men sleeping on the streets. They offered a cot and a meal. No strings were attached.
The McKennas were inspired by the Catholic Worker Movement. This movement emphasized living among those you serve. The founders saw the value of long-term connections. They believed in helping impoverished people by living among them.
Over time, Haley Carriage House expanded. It became a soup kitchen in 1967. The McKennas lived above it. In 1972, Haley Carriage House made history. It became Boston’s first homeless service provider for affordable housing.
Haley Carriage House continued to grow. Noonday Farm was established in 1982. It supplied the soup kitchen with organic food until 2012. In the 1990s, a bakery training program was created. Soup kitchen guests learned to bake and sell bread.
In 2005, Haley House Bakery Cafè opened. It was located in Dudley Square now Nubian Square. The cafe provided economic opportunities. It helped people facing barriers to traditional employment. This included those transitioning from incarceration.
As of 2023, Haley Carriage House focuses on five areas. These include direct services like the soup kitchen. They also focus on affordable housing with 110 units. Urban agriculture programs include the Mel King School Garden. Nutritional education and training are provided as well. The Haley House Bakery Cafè is a social enterprise.
The organization welcomes those facing homelessness. It also welcomes formerly incarcerated individuals. Volunteers commit two years to living in community. They live above Haley Carriage House. They run the kitchen and care for guests.
Haley Carriage House has received recognition. Dorothy Day of the Catholic Workers Movement sent a letter. Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Marty Walsh visited. Charlie King and Utah Phillips held fundraising performances.
Haley Carriage House’s mission is clear. It breaks down barriers between people. It empowers individuals. It strengthens neighborhoods. It uses food to build community. It offers radical solutions. It challenges attitudes that perpetuate suffering. It builds alternative models.
Haley Carriage House remains a place of hospitality. It offers coffee, a meal, and a listening ear. All are welcome through its doors. The organization continues to evolve. It responds to the needs of its community. It stays true to its roots.